Recently, talks about a community arts center between the Stapleton MCA and Forest City came to a screeching halt. Since that time, Forest City has decided to not lease the space, but to instead make some slight decorative modifications. The biggest change they plan to make is to actually cover the exterior of the tower in ivory.
“This is something that is really going to help home values in Stapleton,” claimed Forest City Spokesperson Janelle Ayers. “Part of our plan is to have it lit up in the evening as well, which should be especially beautiful.” Residents are concerned not only with the waste of space that could be put to better use, but about the amount of money a seemingly unnecessary modification would cost.

“We have so many projects that have been sitting around here,” said concerned resident Jill Harves. “Many times, the excuse is that they need more money. Well, where is the ivory money coming from?” Experts estimate that the yet to be released plans for the innovation could cost upward of $225 million. “I think residents need to be a little patient with Forest City,” said Ayers. “Once you get an idea of what the finished project will look like, I think people will understand why we are short a town center and a park.”

Another concern is not just where the money is coming from, but where the ivory is coming from. “Elephants are a threatened species due to poaching,” said WWF director of species preservation Greg Wolfe. “I don’t see any way to get the amount of ivory they will need legally. This is absolutely horrendous, and our organization will do everything it can to stop it.”

Forest City has not backed down on its latest endeavor for the tower. The project is expected to take between 20 and 25 years.